CALCUTTA, JEWEL IN THE CROWN.  

  History OF Calcutta:

   To explore the history of Calcutta, we must go back to the 17^th century. The villages Sutanuti, Govindapur, and Kolikata were  taken lease by Job Charnok in 1690, as a trading post of British east India company. The city became famous, in 1756, when Siraj-ud-dawlah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal captured the city. But British regained their power in 1757 and Calcutta was made the capital of British in India in 1772. By 1800, Calcutta had become a busy and flourishing town, the center of the cultural as well as political and economic life of Bengal.

  MUSEUMS AND HISTORIC PLACES

  A)    Academy Of Fine Arts:

Established in 1933, the Academy is a place where the city’s culturally conscious intellectuals converge. It’s art galleries feature exhibitions by contemporary artists throughout the year. The Rabindra gallery contains personal belongings, manuscripts and paintings by tagore.

  B) Academy of Indian coins and History:

Located at 361/B Rabindra Sarani,, the academy has a gallery of ancient coins.

  C) Austosh Museum of Indian Arts

Established in 1937, it is located within the premises of Calcutta University and has interesting pieces of Bengal Art.

  D)  Asiatic Society:

Located at 1, park street, Calcutta 700016, this institution is a famous center of Indology, Literature and Scientific Research. It was founded by Sir William Jones in 1784 with Warren Hastings as its first patron. Its library contains about 20000 volumes including about 8000 rare Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian and hindi manuscripts.

  E) Birla Industrial and Technological Museum:

This is a permanent exhibition od industrial and technological progress in India. A sear of learning of modern science and technology for students, research scholars etc. has a workshop which designs and produces much of its exhibits.

  F) Centre of International Modern Art:

This is a new gallery featuring Indian contemporary art, for which it is renowned internationally. The gallery opens daily from 2 p.m to 8 p.m. except on Mondays.

  G)Indian Museum:

A national Museum housing have antiques, arnaments, armour, fossils, stones paintings of Mughal India, regal dresses/uniforms, rare animal skeletons, mummies, etc.

  TEMPLES AND RELIGIOUS PLACES:

  A)     BELUR MATH:

  Founded by swami Vivekananda, the world famous yogi and disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, it is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission and is 6.4 kms from Howrah station on the banks of the River hooghly. This international tourist attraction is located near Belur in Howrah district. Its sprawling prayer hall with a statue of Ramakrishma is remarkable connected by train and bus.

  B)Dakshineswar temple

:Built by Rani rasmoni of north Calcutta in the 19^th century on the bank of ganges, north east of Calcutta. It is here that Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, the renowned spiritual personality and the guru of Swami Vivekananda has worshipped the Goddess Kali,Bhaba Tarani, and did his sadhana at the Panchabati Garden adjacent to the temple. A world famous place of pilgrimage.

  C)Kalighat Temple:

  Legend goes that the name of Calcutta, is derived from the famous Kali Diety of this temple located at Kalighat in South Calcutta. Agreat attraction for Hindu Pilgrimage.

  OTHER SIGHTING PLACES:

  A)  Burrabazar:

  The most visible center of wholesale and retail trade in Calcutta. It is a bewildering medley of crowds and merchandise. The businessmen who operate here care nothing for appearances… money is the key word. Situated to the north of B B D Bag, the place is accessible on foot from B B D Bag or by any bus going towards howrah from B B D Bag.

  B) Botanical  Gardens

:The largest and oldest of its kind in India, it was laid out in 1787. It covers an area of 109.27ha and is famous for the over 250-years old Great Banyan tree which covers 382m in its circumference, with over 600 aerial roots. There are more than 30,000 varieties of trees and plants. Situated about 9km from Calcutta, aacross the Hooghly, it is a lovely picnic spot, best reached by ferry across the Hooghly from Metiabruz.

  C) Dhakuria Lake:

  An artificial lake in ballygunge, South Calcutta and Southern Avenue. Comprise a rowing club, safari garden children’s park and play center an open air theatre, swimming pool training centers etc…

  D) Howrah Bridge:

This engineering marvel has been the firmest symbol of Calcutta. The huge cantilever bridge, strung on two 270 feet high pillars connects Calcutta from Howrah. It four traffic lanes are daily used by over a lakh vehicles.

  ACCOMODATION:

  Taj Bengal Hotel at Belvedere road, Hotel Oberoi Grand at 15 J.N.Road, Best western Kenilworth Hotel at Little Russel Stree are considered Luxurious hotels and for moderate type of hotels, Air continental Lodge, Asia Hotel, Santinketan Hotel Park guest House and  Saptarshi can be sought.